Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation

The City of Raleigh Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its first Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit in October 2016 entitled, Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation. The exhibit is the first national exhibit to celebrate the history and remarkable achievements of Indian Americans in the United States.

Beyond Bollywood was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center with the goal of going beyond the stereotypes of Southeast Asian Indians by exploring their daily lives, to struggles in a new country and contributions to food, culture, and politics. The Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service launched the traveling exhibit in May 2015 with the COR Museum being only the sixth institution to host the exhibit on its inaugural tour. “We were excited to open this exhibit in Raleigh” said Ernest Dollar, Director of the COR Museum, “It is a great opportunity to tell the story our rapidly growing Indian community through exploring Indian American’s impact on American history.”

In addition, the museum is partnering with local groups to present a series of public programs and events to highlight Wake County’s connection to the exhibit. Beyond Bollywood will have an extended stay at the museum, from October 29, 2016 to April 9, 2017.

“Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” is a creation of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

Exhibit Programming

Explore India Through Dance

Bollywood dance is synonymous with Indian culture. Discover this dance fusion rooted in Indian classical and folk dances at The City of Raleigh Museum as we welcome a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation.” Explore this new exhibition then become the interpreter as you learn a creative blend of dance movements and express yourself on a diverse variety of Bollywood songs. This workshop will focus on the different dance style from the regions across India Instructor: Priya Chellani, Indigo Dance Evolution Academy.

February 11, 2017
March 11, 2017
April 8, 2017
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
• Age range: Families, 9 years old and up
• $7.00/ticket
• Max capacity 20 spots

Yoga Classes

Beginning in December, the City of Raleigh Museum will begin offering bimonthly yoga classes in collaboration with local yoga studios as part of the opening of the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit entitled, Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation. The exhibit is the first national exhibit to celebrate the history and remarkable achievements of Indian Americans in the United States. Every first and third Saturday of the month from December to April the museum will offer yoga classes, varying in style, practice, and technique to showcase the ways in which traditional Indian yoga practices have been molded into a cultural phenomenon here in the United States.

All hour long classes are free and begin at 11 a.m. For more information about individual classes or attending a session, please stop by the City of Raleigh Museum or contact the museum by phone at (919)-996-2220 or via email at cormuseum@gmail.com.

This branch of yoga which concentrates on physical health and mental well-being. Hatha yoga uses bodily postures breathing techniques and meditation with the goal of bringing about a sound, healthy body and a clear, peaceful mind. There are nearly 200 hatha yoga postures, with hundreds of variations, which work to make the spine supple and to promote circulation in all the organs, glands, and tissues. Hatha yoga postures also stretch and align the body, promoting balance and flexibility.

Vinyasa

This elegant and powerful style of Hatha Yoga seamlessly synchronizes breath and movement. Vinyasa is rooted in the ancient Ashtanga Yoga tradition, and has been practiced and passed down through generations of yogis. The outer experience is one of changing physical shapes; the inner experience is stillness like a meditation in motion.

Blue Lotus will host classes here on 12/3, 2/18, 3/4, and 3/18.

The classes offered all levels Vinyasa class honoring classical yoga as part of contemporary American culture and community.

Ashtanga Yoga School of Raleigh will host classes here on 1/7 and 1/21.

MYSORE CLASS

Ashtanga yoga is learned in what’s called a “Mysore” class. The Mysore class is not structured like a typical yoga class; it’s more like receiving a private lesson in a group setting. You practice amidst other like-minded students who are working at their own level and pace. This is a self-practice format where students practice the Ashtanga series at their own pace with a teacher guiding each student individually. Students move through the series at their own pace allowing the body to open naturally and only working new postures when physically and emotionally ready. Students new to the practice and attending their first Mysore style class will be given a short foundational practice and may stay to observe or are free to leave.

LED PRIMARY SERIES

This is a traditionally counted primary series class. The primary series is the first set of yoga postures, considered most important and foundational, that are taught in traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. This practice helps practitioners deepen focus inward, learn to extend breath, and is meant to help detoxify and purify the body. It is recommended that students have experience with Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga before attending this class.

The Sari: India’s Iconic Dress

Come and learn about the most recognizable garment worn by Indian women. Explore the history of the sari and its evolution over the years. This program explains the different ways of wearing a sari that changes from region to region in Indian. Visitors can try on a saare and vintage saris will be on display.

Date: December 11
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
Location: COR Museum
Free

Beyond Bollywood: A Taste of India Food Event

The COR Museum in partnership with Garland and Vimala’s Curryblossum Café will celebrate Indian holidays of Pongal and Lohri by exploring the history and future of Indian food. Also presenting savory treats and discussing the new direction of Indian food is Chai Pani, James Beard Award nominated chef from Asheville. Each chef will talk about their dishes and how American culture has changed their traditional Indian recipes. Tickets are $30 and seating is limited.